Chapter 2:

The Girl With The Dead Dad

The Ibarras


Carmen Ibarra had always been an outstanding student. Top of her class. Beloved by all of her teachers. The star forward of their girls soccer team. She was naturally gifted at almost everything she set out to do. If all of this was true, then why was Miss Perfect sitting solemnly in the Principal's office?

"Carmen, do you know why I called you in today?" Mrs. Chen looked at her student with pity. Carmen had been getting that look a lot lately. She hated it.

"I don't suppose it's to accept another merit award," Carmen sheepishly smiles.

"Not exactly. I wanted to discuss your recent attendance record. In this past week alone you've missed three days of school. You don't happen to have a doctor's note to excuse these absences do you?" Mrs. Chen already knows the answer.

Carmen clears her throat, "I don't. I've just been finding my classes boring lately. You know I haven't gotten anything below an "A" since I accidentally forgot to write my name on my social studies test last year." 

"That's great Carmen, but attendance also counts towards your final grade. At this rate, you won't be making Principal's List this semester." Mrs. Chen slides over a record of Carmen's current grades. The student doesn't look fazed.

"Colleges won't look at my middle school transcript. I kind of figured it's about time I go through my rebellious stage. Get it all out of my system before I have to get really serious about my studies, you know? Besides, I'm gonna be able to write a killer college essay about having a dead dad." 

Mrs. Chen chokes on the tea she's sipping. 

 "It's okay Mrs. Chen, you can mention my dad. It's not a "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" situation," Carmen fake laughs to try and break the tension. 

Her principal's tone gets serious, "This might not be my place to ask, but have you been seeking any treatment for your mental health? What you and your family went through was a huge trauma-"

"You're right Mrs. Chen. It's not your place to ask," Carmen cuts her off.

Awkward silence ensues.

"I'll be sure to attend all of my classes. Sorry about worrying you. Can I go now?" 

"Of course. If there's anything the school can do for you, please don't hesitate to come see me. Okay?" Mrs. Chen stands to open her office door. Another pity smile. Carmen can't get out of there fast enough. The school bell rings as she exits into the hallway and she lets out a sigh of relief. At least she's free to go for the rest of the day.

From the corner of her ears she hears other students whispering as they pass her in the hallway. Usually invisible to her classmates, Carmen had become a bit of celebrity at her school. Adolescents didn't really know how to treat a peer that had just lost their father. Carmen jogs to her locker, hoping to get out of there before anyone--

"Carmen! I'm so glad I was able to catch you." She gulps at the sound of her name and takes a moment to compose herself. Her locker shuts and the teen comes face to face with the drop dead gorgeous Amber. 

Carmen smiles sheepishly, a slight blush stains her cheeks, "What's up?"

"I grabbed your algebra homework for you. The lesson this week was pretty easy, but if you need any help, I'm free this weekend." Amber hands her a folder, "My mom made way too much of her famous chili. She's enlisting the help of anyone willing to help finish it."

 "That sounds yummy, but I’m busy this weekend." Carmen can't help but notice how perfect Amber's eyeliner looks. Gosh she was pretty.

"That's okay! I'll see you on Monday then?" she gives Carmen's arm a friendly squeeze. 

"For sure." Carmen's face turns beat red at the sudden touch. The two part ways. As Carmen leaves the school grounds, she's practically floating. You can see the red hearts hovering over her head. She imagines sitting alone in a library with Amber. The two giggling over how easy the math homework is. Amber spoon feeding her chili. Amber holding her hand. 

Carmen's teenage daydream is shattered by a cars blaring horn. Her good mood instantly sours. The hearts above her head explode into oblivion. Parked in front of her is Angela's boyfriend's red Jeep Wrangler. The duo wave her over. "Get in! Daisuke's gonna drop us off today."

"No thanks. I'll walk." Carmen doesn't miss a beat as she passes the car. 

Much to her dismay, Daisuke drives along side her and motions to his back seat, "Come on little sis. I'll even make a pit stop at Cold Stone. On me!" 

Carmen can not STAND Angela's new boy toy. They had just started dating and he was so blindingly perfect.

Beautiful flowing hair that he often wore in a man bun. 

High school quarterback.

Annoyingly defined muscles.

Older guy who had a driver's license.

Kind to everyone he met.

He even was an Honor Roll student, a fact that ticked Carmen off the most. 

She had no idea how a dunce like her sister was able to snatch him up. He had to be a serial killer, there was no way someone like Daisuke Otonashi actually existed. Her dad would have hated him. Carmen sadly smiles at the thought.

"We're about to go pick up Fanny. It'll be fun! We haven't had a sister hang out in forever." Angela pouts at her.

"I'm an honorary sister for the day! If that's okay with you," Daisuke asks politely.

Carmen internally cringes, "I was just planning on catching up on some homework tonight. School's been super busy lately. You kids have fun." 

After one final plea, the couple finally gives up and speeds off. Carmen is finally alone. As she continues her journey home she passes a father with his small daughter seated on top of his shoulders. The two gleefully laugh. Carmen can't get rid of the bitter taste in her mouth.

......

David, now known as Bacon, can't help but feel like he's back in prison. Sure his new digs were an upgrade from the animal shelter, but he felt cramped in the tiny two bedroom apartment. He had learned that Rose was a single mother who worked from home. With her around 24/7 it made it near impossible for him to sneak out. Several times now he had tried to bolt out the front door during the comings and goings of the family, but he had failed each time. This was going to be tougher than he thought.

It had been about a week since he had arrived at his new "home". Bacon sat perched on top of a couch, gazing out the front window. He had a vague idea where he was. From his rough calculations, it would take him about four hours with his stumpy legs to get back to his girls. Not ideal. 

Think David, think. There's got to be a way to hitch a ride to Oakland.

Rose peaked down from her computer desk to find Bacon pacing back and forth in their living room. Furry head down, four paws marching heavy on the ground. Such a serious puppy. 

"Do you think Bacon could fit into Build a Bear clothes?" Everleigh held up a tiny pink tutu for her mom to see. 

"He is not wearing that!" Jacob swooped up Bacon, ready to defend the dog's honor.

"He's a dog. He hardly knows what gender norms are!" 

The siblings continue bickering as Bacon squirms his way out of the boy's arms. These two reminded David of his own children. Breaking up fights was one of his fortes. Hopping up onto the couch, the pup uses his nose to fish out the TV remote from the cushions. He turns on the TV with his paw and flips through the channel until he lands on...

Perfect.

An old re-run of Spongebob always got his daughters attentions when they were younger. Bacon places his front paws on the TV screen and gives a couple "yap yaps" to get the kids' attention.

"Look! Bacon's watching TV!" Jacob giggles before settling in next to the dog. Everleigh is quick to follow suit.

"I swear he knows how to operate a remote," Rose gazes at the puppy in wonder. Bacon gulps. 

With the kids attention focused on the TV screen, David tries to make a game plan for himself.

Maybe I can fake that I'm ill to get Rose to take me to the vet? Or maybe if I start pooping on the rug she'll take me outside more often. I'm sure I can escape if I can just find a way out that front door! 

An advertisement suddenly grabs David's attention.

"Need to get your kids out of the house for the weekend? Come on down to Caillou's World Renowned Carnival! We got rides, games, and entertainment that'll WOW your family! Tickets on sale now for a limited time in Oakland! Caillou's-World-Renowned-Carnival-is-not-responsible-for-any-injuries-sustained-on-our-rides-Please-consult-a-doctor-if-you-have-a-history-with-heart-problems-to-see-if-this-carnival-is-the-right-fit-for-you."

This is my chance!!

Bacon gives a howl and practically dances on his hind legs. 

"You wanna go to the carnival Bacon?" Everleigh laughs.

"BARK BARK BARK!" translates to "Your darn right I do!" 

"Mom, can we go? Can we can we?" Jacob joins Bacon in his excited jumping.

"I don't know guys, I might have to work this weekend-" Rose cuts herself off at the sight of three pairs of puppy dog eyes fixed on her. She sighs, "After lunch on
Saturday for no more than 3 hours. Deal?"

"Deal!" The kids talk amongst themselves about 


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The Ibarras


JaneMoe
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